Trooper Hit By Drunk Driver On Capital Beltway, Hospitalized

LANHAM, MD – A Maryland State Trooper was hit by a drunk driver while working in his patrol vehicle on I-495 in Prince George’s County early Saturday morning, authorities say. Trooper Angel Ortiz was taken to Prince George’s Hospital by ambulance where he is currently being treated for his injuries.

The accused driver, Maurice Gresham, 51, of Lanham, was arrested for DUI at the scene.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Maryland State Police responded to a crash on the outer loop of the Capital Beltway at Allentown Road. Investigators say Ortiz’s vehicle was struck in the rear while parked in lane 4 on the outer loop behind a disabled vehicle. He was sitting in his marked Ford Explorer when his vehicle was hit by Gresham, who was driving an Audi A-5.

Police say Ortiz was parked with his emergency lights activated behind a driver changing a flat tire on a disabled vehicle in the slow lane. Ortiz also set out flares around the scene.

He was taken by ambulance to Prince George’s Hospital. There were no other reported injuries.

Ortiz is a seven-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and is assigned to the Forestville Barrack.

Patch file photo